Responding to Doubt

As we go through ministry there will be seasons where we will face doubt. When this happens are first response is to think that this is abnormal. The fact is that it is a very normal part of being a person and for ministry.

This week let’s take a look a John the Baptist and look at a time when he faced doubt. Jesus said of Him that there was no man born among women who was greater than John. How would you like Jesus to say that about your life? To me that means that John had an incredible faith walk.

But even John doubted and struggled. This week take a look at Luke 7:18-28. There are lessons in this passage for those facing doubt and those that are called to encourage those through doubt.

Here are some thoughts of mine on the passage in this week's video blog: http://youtu.be/Gpx6cTqZ6wg.

After you read the passage and watch the video think about these questions:

1. Why didn't Jesus answer John’s question directly? (I am the one)
2. Why did Jesus respond by directing John and his disciples to the works being done by Jesus?
3. Why did Jesus speak highly of John after the His disciples had left?
4. Do I know of someone doubting their ministry role, their call, and what am I called to do to encourage them?

Announcements:

• ORBC Worship Retreat (THIS FRIDAY & SATURDAY)
• We are gathering this week for our Retreat! From 7 to 8:30PM in the Live Venue and 9 to 4:30PM on Saturday (for Worship Leader Training) with John Sarno. An invite was send out last week through CCB. Please make sure that you respond by WED! If you are in the Ridge (Let Liz know) and in Seaford (Let Thomas know) which days you will be attending. Thanks and can’t wait to see you there!
• Some Role Changes
• Last Thursday we announced that Tim Dennis would be transitioning to the role of Global Technical Director for ORBC and that I would be transitioning to the Global Arts Director (Larry). This transition is now in process. That means that everything will currently operate the way that it has been, but that Tim will assume leadership over the technical areas and that I will concentrate my efforts to provide leadership to our performing arts areas. We have already begun the process of transitioning our venue pastors to a role to give leadership over the flow in their venues. As we make these transitions please exercise patience, refuse to gossip, and bring any concerns or suggestions to Tim, myself, or to your venue pastor.
• Bass and Guitar Players
• We are still short for both electric and bass guitar players right now. Be shoulder-tapping friends about the opportunity to serve in this way at the church.
• All Campuses and venues are currently short bass players.
• Check In
• Please continue to check in when you serve! It is imperative that you check in when you are serving. If you have any question about that see Doug DeWitt.

Who Is In Your Inner Circle?

I had a great time with my small group this week. Sometimes, in a small group, you have to deviate from the plan and go in a direction that God is leading. We found ourselves looking at Matthew 17:1–9 (The Transfiguration) and asking a simple question: What was it about Peter, James, and John that led Jesus to make them a part of his inner circle?

You and I, whether we know it or not, each have an inner circle. Sometimes it’s a team we have put together, a group of friends, a band we are a part of, or any grouping of people where we allow certain people we trust to get close to us.

This Week’s Video Blog: http://youtu.be/ZDDI_GAfT9Y

As you prepare your heart this week for worship, think about the following discussion questions:

• Why did Jesus select Peter, James, and John for His inner circle?
• Who is in my inner circle? Did I pick them with purpose? If so, what purpose and intention?
• How does my current inner circle affect my spiritual life, relational life, perspective on the church?
• Do I need to make any changes in my inner circle?

Announcements

• ORBC Worship Retreat (Updated Details)
• ORBC will be gathering May 2-3. May 2^nd from 6:30 to 8:00PM. Worship Leader Training from 9 to 4:30PM on Saturday with John Sarno. An invite will go out this week for the retreat. This is event is for everyone serving in worship arts (tech and performance) on both campuses (Seaford and Salisbury).
• Easter Services
• Take a close look at the services, rehearsal times and other elements. They are subject to change based on how the Lord leads our leadership. Remind yourself that the "win" this weekend is to see people follow the Lord in baptism and we will do whatever we need to do to accommodate that goal, as well as to connect with first time guests!
• Check In
• Please continue to check in when you serve! It is imperative that you check in when you are serving. If you have any question about that see Doug DeWitt.
• Bass and Guitar Players
• We are short on both electric and bass guitar players right now. Be shoulder-tapping friends about the opportunity to serve in this way at the church. All campuses and venues are currently short bass players.

Honored To Serve

It is so easy, within our culture today, to see ourselves as entitled to a certain position or role in the church, or for that matter, any organization. But is that the desire that we should have? I think our attitude has to be one of gratitude when it comes to volunteering, especially when it comes to the church. 

Two passages that we have covered before, but never studied together, are Matthew 20:28 and Philippians 2: 1-11. Both of these passages speak to the humility that we are to have in worship arts, but I would like to look at them from a place of risk-taking this week. Please read both passages before coming this Thursday evening and watch the video blog below.

Video Blog: http://youtu.be/R9TXZQq-BKI

As you prepare your heart this week for worship, think about the following discussion questions:

• What is it like to serve with someone who feels they are entitled?
• Is there an area where I, or someone I know, feels entitled? If so, how did it manifest? Is it in my or their language, attitude, have others brought it to my attention?
• What disciplines of the Christian faith help to combat an attitude of entitlement?
• How is risk-taking connected to humility?

Announcements:

• ORBC Worship Retreat (Updated Details)
• ORBC will be gathering May 2-3. May 2nd from 6:30 to 8:00PM. Worship Leader Training from 9 to 4:30PM on Saturday with John Sarno. An invite will go out this week for the retreat. This is event is for everyone serving in worship arts (tech and performance) on both campuses (Seaford and Salisbury).
• Easter Services
• If you have not already responded to Easter Assignments, please do so. Keep in mind to reach the amount of people that the Lord is calling us to reach we will need to expand our services times for that weekend. So, in the Video Venue we will be running all 3 service times. In the Live Venue and in the Ridge we will be running all three service times and one additional Saturday services at 4:30PM (4/19).
• Please be praying for every visitor, every person getting baptized (OVER 50), and for ever person that is struggling with inviting someone to an Easter Service. Be in prayer for Pastor Brian as he prepares to give the Gospel this week and in the weeks to come!